Convicted hit and run killer won't get out early

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida convict will stay put for now after trying to get out of jail early.

The drunk driver killed a little girl 20 years ago and was supposed to do a lot more time. Though he and his lawyers tried to find a way for him to get out early for time served and good behavior, the victim's relatives were determined to keep the convicted killer behind bars.

The judge's ruling brought them great relief. "This time it feels so good," said the victim's Mother Suzanne Walker. "I get a little more justice for my daughter."

Just a day earlier, family members of Nicole Walker, who would have been 26 had she been alive today, were in tears as they left the Broward County Courtroom. They had feared Kenneth Pierce, the man convicted in the death Walker back in 1992, would be released from prison on Monday, just 20 years into his 40-year sentence. "How could Florida do this?" said the victim's Mother Suzanne Walker.

Pierce was convicted after running over Nicole and leaving the scene. Two other girls were also injured. Pierce, who was labeled a habitual offender, was then sentenced to 40 years behind bars.

At issue was how much credit he was to receive for time served at his trial for multiple counts. That's when the state said they needed an emergency hearing to make sure that was correct. The judge then decided Pierce would go back to jail for at least a few more years.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)